Control means for tuning mechanism of sound reproduction apparatus



J. SEARS Oct. 3, 1933.

CONTROL MEANS FOR TUNING MECHANISM OF SOUND REPRODUCTION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 18, 1931 JOHN SEHRS,

INVENTOR ATTORNEY J. SEARS Oct. 3, 1933.

CONTROL MEANS FOR TUNING MECHANISM OF SOUND REPRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed Nov. 18, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 (/OHA/ Sta/rs,

INVENTOR /ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 3, 1933 UNITED STATES CONTROL MEANSFOR TUNING MECHANISM OF SOUND REPRODUCTION APPARATUS John Sean, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada- Application November 18, 1931 Serial N0. 575,898

4 Claims.

This invention relates to means for remotely controlling a fader or means for adjusting the position of the tuning mechanism of sound repro-.

duction apparatus, such as used in connection with cinematograph projection or the like.

The principal object of my invention is to provide means whereby a fader or frequency adjustment. apparatus may be operated from a remote position in an auditorium or the like, in order that the full acoustic properties of the reproduced sound may be obtained.

A further object of my invention is the provision of means whereby the operator in a cinev matograph projection roommaymanuallyoperate the fader or frequency adjustment apparatus to a general predetermined adjustment and the finer adjustment of the same may be controlled by an attendant in an auditorium or the like where the reproduced sound is being heard.

A further object of my invention is the provision of means for remotely controlling a fader or frequency adjustment apparatus, which is adapted to adjust the tuning mechanism of sound reproduction apparatus for a plurality of cinematograph projection machines, wherein different reels are being consecutively run and which means for controlling the fader may be manually controlled by the operator, in the projection room, to a general predetermined adjustment and by an attendant, in the auditorium or the like, for finer adjustments and which means for controlling the fader. or frequency adjustment apparatus embodies means whereby the remote control mechanism in the auditorium may be. rendered, inoperative by the projection operator, while he is manually adjusting the fader or frequency adjustment apparatus to change from one reel to another reel.-

A further object of my invention is the pro- 49 vision of means for remotely controlling a fader or means for adjusting the tuning mechanism of sound reproduction apparatus wherein a shaft to the frequency tuning mechanism is rotated by means of solenoids provided with ratchet mechanism adapted to engage with a toothed disc which. upon rotation, is adapted to rotate said shaft.

A further object of my invention is the provision-of a mechanism, as just described in the preceding paragraph, wherein a switch is provided, which switch is operated by the rotation of said disc to complete electric circuits to convey elec-' trical current to the proper solenoid, which is adapted to operate, to rotate said disc in the de- 5 sired direction.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, as will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of the novel construction, combinationand arrangement of co-operating elements as hereinafter more specifically set forth. J0 claimed and shown in the accompanying drawings folil'imtilng a part of the present application, in w c Fig. 1 is a plan view of the casing, which glontains the operative mechanism of my inven- 86 Fig. 2' is a plan view of the operative mechanism of my invention, the outer casing, as disclosed in Fig. 1, being removed.

Fig. 3 is a similar view to Fig. 2 with the op- .70 erating disc being remov Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the control switch, taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the control switch, the same being turned in one operative direction.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the control switch, the same being turned in an opposite operative direction to that disclosed in Fig. 5.

Like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

Referring to Fig. l, 7 is the outer casing of my invention, which is provided with graded indicia as at 8 and 9 respectively. 10 is a rotary shaft supported in and extending outwardly through the casing '7. The shaft 10 is connected, by means of a suitable connection 11, to the shaft 11, which operates the master fader or frequency adjustment apparatus, to increase or decrease the volume of sound emanating from the sound reproduction apparatus. 12 is a shaft at right angles from and connected to the shaft 10 by means of suitable beveled gears (not shown). Fixedly supported on the outer end of the shaft 12 is an adjustment knob 14 which adjustment knob is adapted to be manually rotated to impart rotation through the shafts 12, 10 and 11' to the master fader. A suitable pointer 15 is fixedly attached to the shaft 12. This pointer, registering with the indicia 8 or 9, indicates the degree of frequency adjustment of the tuning mechanism.

Referring to Fig. 2, 15 is an operating disc which is toothed around its periphery as at 16. The disc 15' is fixedly attached to the shaft 12 by any suitable means. 17 and 18. are levers pivotally attached at their inner ends to the shaft 12. 19 and 20 are dogs pivotally connected by means of bolts 21 and 22, adjacent the outer end of each of the levers 1'7 and 18, respectively. The dogs 19 and 20 are each provided with an arcual slot 23 and 24, respectively, through which the bolts 25 and 26 extend and which bolts are threadedly attached to the levers 17 and 18, respectively. The dogs 19 and 20 are each provided with a detent 27 and 28, respectively, which detents are adapted to engage with the teeth 16 of the disc 15. 29 is a solenoid provided with an armature 30, which armature is connected to the dog 19 by means of the connecting link 31. 32 is a solenoid provided with an armature 33, which armature is connected to the dog 20by means of the connecting'link 34. K

35 is a rotary switch comprised of an insulation base 36 upon which is supported a rotor 37 and terminals 38, 39 and 40. Carried by the rotor 37 is an arm 41, which is slotted as at 42. 43 and 44 are contact fingers carried by the rotor 37. The terminals 39 and 40 are connected by means of a bus bar 45, as disclosed in Fig. 4.

46 is a switch block upon which are supported two contact switches 47 and 48 respectively, which switches are connected by means of a bus bar 49. 50 and 51 are conductors which lead from a suitable source of electrical supply. The

conductor 50 is connected to one side of a suitable switch 52, which is located in the projection room. The switch 52 comprises the housing 53, which is preferably supported on the floor of the projection room and is provided with a cut-out knife 54 to which is connected an operating rod 55,.which rod extends upwardly through the casing 53 and is headed as at 56. 57 is a coil spring supported on the rod 55 between the head 56 and the casing 53, which coil springis adapted to normally retain the knife 54 in closed position, as shown. The switch 52 is merely of a preferable form and I do not wish to be limited to the precise construction as disclosed, as various other forms of cut-out switches may be found adaptable for use in lieu of the same. Extending from the opposite side of the switch 52 is a conductor 58, which is connected to the bus bar 49, which bus bar is connected to one side of each of the contact switches 47 and 48, respectively. Extending between the opposite side of the switch 47 and the contact finger 44 of the switch 35 is a conductor 59. Extending between the opposite side of the switch 48 and the contact finger 43 of the switch 35 is a conductor 60. Extending between the contact terminal 38 and one terminal of the solenoid 29 is a conductor 61. Extending between the opposite terminal of the solenoid 29 and one terminal of the solenoid 32 is a conductor 62. The conductor 51 is connected to the same terminal of the solenoid 32 as the conductor 62. Connecting between the contact terminal 39 of the switch 35 and the opposite terminal of the solenoid 32 is a conductor 63. 64 is a pin fixedly carried by the disc 15'.

When the projection operator desires to project a picture from a reel on to the screen, he will rotate the adjustment knob 14 in'the desired direction until the finger 15 registers oppo site the desired indicia 8 or 9. As the adjustment knob 14 is thus rotated it will, through the medium of the shaft 12, rotate the operating disc 15' as indicated by the arrow in either Fig. 5 or Fig. 6. As the disc 15' is thus rotated the pin 64 will move the arm 41 to the position as disclosed in either Fig. 5 or Fig. 6. If the operator rotates the adustment knob in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 1, the disc 15' will be rotated in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 6, and consequently the arm 41 will be moved into position as disclosed in Fig. 6. As the arm 41 thus moves,

it will cause the rotor 37 to move from the position as disclosed in Fig. 2 to the position as disclosed in Fig. 6 and the rotor 37 will carry the contact fingers 43 and 44 into contact with the terminals 38 and 40 respectively. If the attendant at the remote control desires to increase the degree of adjustment of the fader, he will close the switch 47. Upon the switch 47 being closed, current will fiow through the conductor 50, switch 52, conductor 58, bus bar 49, switch 4'7, conductor 59, contact finger 44, contact terminal 40, bus bar 45, contact terminal 39, conductor 63, solenoid 32 and conductor 51, thus energizing the solenoid 32. As the solenoid 32 becomes energized, the armature 33 will be attracted thereby and move from the position as disclosed in Fig. 2 to the position as disclosed in Fig. 3. As the armature 33 commences to move, it will, through the medium of the connecting link 34, pivot the dog 20 on the bolt 22 until the detent 28 engages with a tooth 16 of the disc 15. Upon engagement of the detent 28, as thus described, the armature 33, through the medium of the connecting link 34 and dog 20, will cause the disc 15' to revolve in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 6.

in Fig. 3 to the position as disclosed in Fig. 2.

As the spring 65 becomes operative upon the solenoid 32 becoming deenergized, it will first pivot the dog 20 relative to the lever 18 to disengage the detent 28 from between the teeth 16 and, as soon as the dog 20 engages with the bolt no 26, the spring 65 will pull the lever 18 to normal position as disclosed in Fig. 2. The attendant at the remote control may thus close and open the switch 47 until the desired increase in volume of sound is obtained. If the attendant at the remote control desires to decrease the degree of adjustment of the fader, he will close the switch 48. Upon the switch 48 being closed, current will fiow through the conductor 50, switch 52, conductor 58, bus bar 49, switch 48, conducno tor 60, contact finger 43, contact terminal 38, conductor 61, solenoid 29, conductor 62 and conductor 51, thus energizing the solenoid 29. As the solenoid 29 becomes energized, the armature 30 will be attracted and, through the medium of the connecting link 31 and dog 20, will operate the disc 15 in a similar manner to that described relative to the operation of the solenoid 32, to cause the disc 15 to rotate in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 5. Upon opening the switch 48, current will be cut off to the solenoid 29 and the recoil spring 66 will return the dog 23, lever 17, link 31 and armature 30 to normal position in a similar manner as referred to in connection with the operation of the recoil spring 65. A resilient dog 67 is provided to tensionally engage with the teeth 16 of the disc 15 to retain the disc 15' in fixed position upon deenergization of either of the solenoids 29 or 32.

When the projection of the picture from the reel as just hereinbefore referred to has been completed and the projection operator desires to switch over to another projecting apparatus, carrying a different reel, he will rotate the adjustment knob 14 in a reverse direction to the arrow, Fig. 1. As the adjustment knob 14 is thus rotated it will, through the medium of the shaft 12, cause, the disc 15' to rotate in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 5. As the disc 15' thus rotates, .the pin 64 will enter into the slot 42 in thearm 41 and move the arm 41 from the position asdisclosed in Fig. 6 to the position as disclosed in Fig. 5. As the arm 41 thus moves, it will, through the medium of the rotor 3'7, cause the contact fingers 43 and 44 to move, from the position as disclosed in Fig. 6 to the position as disclosed in Fig. 5, into contact with the contact terminals 39 and 38, respectively.

If the attendant at the remote control desires to increase the volume of sound in the auditorium after the projection operator has adjusted the fader, as just described, he will close the switch 4'7 and electrical current will flow through the conductor 50, switch 52, conductor 58, bus bar 49, switch 47, conductor 59, contact finger 44, contact terminal 38, conductor 61, solenoid 29, conductor 62 and conductor 51, thus energizing the solenoid 29 which will operate, as hereinbefore described, to rotate the disc 15' and consequently through the mediums of the shafts 12 and 10, connection 11, shaft 11 and master fader, operate the frequency adjustment of the tuning mechanism to increase the volume of sound. Consecutive closing and opening of the switch 4'7, when the fader mechanism is in position as just described, will cause the solenoid 29 to become intermittently energized and consequently the volume of sound will be increased.

If the attendant at the remote control desires to decrease the volume of sound in, the auditorium after the projection operator has adjusted the fader, as just hereinbefore described, he will close the switch 48 and electrical current will flow through the conductor 50, switch 52, conductor 58, bus bar 49, switch 48, conductor .60, contact finger 43, contact terminal 39, conductor 63, solenoid 32 and conductor 51, thus energizing the solenoid 32 which will operate to rotate the disc 15' and consequently, through the mediums of the shafts 12 and 10, connection 11, shaft 11' and master fader, operate the frequency adjustments of the tuning mechanism to decrease the volume of sound.

If for any reason the projection operator de sires to operate the disc 15 while either of the switches 47 or 48 are in closed position, he may cut off current to such switch by opening the switch 52. As soon as the switch 52 is opened, current will be cut off to either one of the solenoids 31 or 32, which might at the time be energized, to deenergize such solenoid and leave the disc 15 free to rotate.

When the projection mechanism is not being used, the operator will set the disc 15 in position as disclosed in Fig. 2 and the pin 64 will rotate the arm 41 to the position as disclosed in Fig. 2 and consequently the contact fingers 43 and 44 will be moved to a position intermediate the contact terminals 38 and 39 and 38 and 40, respectively. When the operating mechanism is in this position, circuit will be broken from the switches 47 and 48 to the solenoids 29 and 32 and consequently operation of the switches 47 and 48 will not cause current to flow to the solenoids and thus the fader is protected while the same is not in use.

I have not illustrated the master fader or the tuning mechanism which forms a part of the same, as the apparatus which comprises such faders is of well known construction and it is felt that a detailed description is unnecessary.

The foregoing specification and annexed drawings, disclose the preferred embodiment of my invention, but itis to be understood that minor changes may be resorted to in the commercial adaptation of my invention without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What I claim as new is:

1. In combination with a master fader, which is operable in opposite directions to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanisms of two sound reproduction apparatuses, means for controlling the operation of said fader comprising a rotatable disc; interconnecting means between said disc and said fader for transmitting movement to said fader upon rotation of said disc; said fader and said disc having a common neutral position wherein the tuning mechanisms of said sound reproduction apparatuses are both noneifective, the rotation of said disc and said fader in one direction from said neutral position and return, adapted to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanism of one of said sound reproduction apparatuses and in an opposite direction from said neutral position and return adapted to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanism of the other of said sound reproduction a'ppa ratuses; a pair of solenoids with means engageable with said disc for rotating said disc in opposite directions upon alternate momentary energization of said solenoids and means for selectively energizing said solenoids.

2. In combination with a master fader, which is operable in opposite directions, to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanisms of two sound reproduction apparatuses, means for controlling the operation of said fader comprising a rotatable disc; interconnecting means between said disc and said fader for transmitting movement to said fader upon rotation of said disc; said fader and said disc having a common neutral position wherein the tuning mechanism of said sound reproduction apparatuses are both noneffective, the rotation of said disc and said fader in one direction from said neutral position and return, adapted to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanism of one of said sound reproduction apparatuses and in an opposite direction from said neutral position and return adapted to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanism of the other of said sound reproduction apparatuses; a pair of solenoids with means engageable with said disc for rotating said disc in opposite directions upon alteinate momentary energization of said solenoids; means for selectively energizing said solenoids; and means for rendering said last mentioned means inoperative.

3. In combination with a master fader, which is operable in opposite directions, to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanisms of two sound reproduction apparatuses, means for controlling the operation of said fader comprising a rotatable disc; interconnecting, means between said disc and said fader for transmitting movement to said fader upon rotation of said disc; said fader and said disc having a common neutral position wherein the tuning mechanism of said sound reproduction apparatuses are both non-eifective, the rotation of said disc and said fader in one direction from said neutral position and return, adapted to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanism of one of said sound reproduction apparatuses and in an opposite direction from said neutral position and return adapted to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanism of the other of said sound reproduction apparatuses; a pair of solenoids with means engageable with said disc for rotating said disc in opposite directions upon alternate mos selectively closed to iader in one u d means for selecvely sai solenoids electrical circuits adapted to convey current to said solenoids; a pair of adapted to be complete circuit to energize one or the other oi said solenoids to operate said iader to increase or emanating from either oi said sound reproduction apparatuses and means for breaking said circuits.

4. In combination with a master tader, which is operable in opposite directions, to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanisms oi two sound reproduction apparatuses, means for controlling the operation of said iader comprising a rotatable disc, mterconnecting means between ment to said. iader upon rotation of said disc: said iader and said disc having a common neutral position wherein the tuning mechanism of said sound reproduction apparatuses are both non-eil'ective, the rotation of said disc and said direction from said neutral position and return, adapted to control the adjustment oi decrease the volume at sound,

usages thstimingmechanismoi one or said sound reproduction apparatuses and in an oppomte direction from said neutral position and return adapted to control the adjustment of the tuning mechanism of the otheroi said sound reproduction apparatuses: a pair of solenoids with means engageable with said disc for rotating said disc in opposite directions upon alternate momentary energization of said solenoids, means for selectively energizing said solenoids comprising electrical circuits adapted to convey current to said solenoids; a pair of switches adapted to be selectively closed to complete circuit to energize one or the other of said solenoids to operate said iader to increase or decrease the volume of sound emanating from either of said sound reproduction apparatuses; a means for breaking said circuits; and a rotary switch operable by said disc to break circuit between said switches and said solenoids when said disc is turned to neutral position and to complete circuit from said switches to said solenoids when said disc is turned in a direction to either side of said neutral position.

JOHN BEARS. 

